Author: gardenspast123

I’m a Craft Gardener with over 20 years of hands-on experience in professional gardening and soft landscaping. As the internet continues to reshape gardening advice, forums, and consultancy services, horticultural knowledge is constantly evolving—making it more important than ever to share proven techniques and alternative approaches to pest control, plant diseases, and weed management. Even the smallest adjustments to garden aspect, soil preparation, planting, or pruning can have a major impact on a plant’s health, vigour, and long-term lifespan. Through my gardening blog and online advice, I aim to educate, motivate, and inspire gardeners of all levels—from complete beginners to experienced green-fingered enthusiasts.

Drought Tolerant

by gardenspast123, posted in Flowers, Foliage, Horticulture, Shrubs

In the summer, plants often suffer as a result of rising temperatures. Like us, they need adequate hydration. However, mediterranean plants usually cope well with little water – cistus / hebe and ornamental grasses. Miscanthus, some festcues and bamboo are resistant to these conditions. Those with fleshy leaves – succulents and alpines.

In fact, these plants tend to be deeply rooted so they source their own moisture and can often survive in poor soil as well.

Rosmarinus officianlis (Rosemary) is a herb but effectively used as a shrub. It does like full sun and generally problem free. A light prune after the frost is advisable. The plant will look killed off but underneath there will be hidden growth. If it’s pruned too soon, it will affect its regeneration. It offers aromatic leaves and flowers at varying times based on your climate.

Stonecrop (Sedum) is a very good choice in free draining soil. It does like full sun and is self sufficient and low maintenance. The plant can cope with partial shade but not full. The only maintenance to be done is to remove dead growth in spring. Periodically, dividing the stonecrop will increase numbers and help with the vigour of the plant. It doesn’t cope well in wet soil though and susceptible to root rot. It is gaining in popularity as cover used on roofs encouraging biodiversity.

Lamb ears (Stachys byzantina) offer attractive silver leaves that are velvety to the touch. It does flower, but its textural qualities are more what it’s known for. A ground cover or mixed border plant, it does like full sun. It is, however, particular about moisture. It will not cope with over watering and well drained soil is needed.

Cistus (Rock rose) – this evergreen requires little maintenance save a light prune after flowering. The plant prefers well drained soil and often found in rockeries because of its resilience to poor conditions. Full sun is preferred and will provide with you with flowers all through summer. An interesting fact – the flowers only last one day but colour in such profusion, you don’t notice they’re shortlived.

Hebes are generally hardy evergreens. H. ‘summer blue’. The only maintenance is retain its shape and remove the flowers. The flowering time usually is summer through to autumn. If you have a less hardy variety. H. Tricolour, a variegated one, you need to take out any dead, diseased or damaged wood as spring appraoches. It may flower until December. H. ‘Simon Delaux’ also flowers late into winter.

Ceanothus (Californian lilac) known for its drought tolerance and provides an abundance of colour from spring to summer. C. ‘Marie Bleu’ flowers later. The plant prefers a drier soil. A full sun aspect too. It is an evergreen, the only maintenance is to remove dead, damaged or damaged growth. Other than this, no major pruning is necessary. It’s self reliant and prefers no fuss. The leaves are attractive, the flowers and the fragrance too. Normally the flowers are indigo blue, although certain varieties like ‘Marie Simon’ are pink.

Top tips on storage organs

by gardenspast123, posted in Horticulture

Above ground, plants usually grow within an upright habit or clump forming pattern. However, below ground, root structures vary immensely. Roots can be lateral or fiborous, but the organ that stores the goodness is intentionally underground as a safety measure from animals or environmental conditions.

Corms are usually smaller but similar to bulbs. Montbretia / crocosmia (or often associated with red ‘Lucifer’ montbretia and crocosmia orange flowers. This plant usually flowers summer to early autumn. It likes full sun, well drained soil and can cope with drought conditions. The benefits are delicate flowers and little maintenance – the corms multiply by themselves. The method to propagate is divide the cluster. This also helps with regeneration and performance. After flowering, just cut back spent growth and the plants will regenerate the following year. Corms include watsonia species, gladiolus and crocuses: all flowering in spring.

Bulbs can be differentiated by the scaly coating on corms. The organ corm tends to be smaller, in a cluster too. True bulbs include narcissus, agapanthus, tulips, snowdrops and alliums. After flowering, these plants need to be left for the nutrients to return to storage before cutting the spent growth back. An indication is when the debris flops and sags from the plant or several weeks after. It can be a pain if naturalised in a lawn but important to adhere to. If the growth is cut back prematurely it can impede the following years performance or the plant may come back blind (without flowers).

Rhizomes usually are close to the surface. The stems run horizontally sometimes just protruding on the soil surface. Bergenias (elephants ears) are a rhizome. The leaves when spent should be pulled of to prevent rotting on the surface. A low maintenance, drought tolerant perennial. Pink, spiky flowers will give you a show late winter to early spring. Its leaves, large and attractive with a purple-red tinge. Other rhizomes include irises and ginger, water lillies and bamboo.

Tubers are vessels formed from the parent plant itself. A swollen stolon will produce offshoots. These shoots will form the new growth from the original plant using its nutrients. The new growth then disperses for its season leaving the debris of the parent plant to decompose. These organs can be divided in late summer to early winter and is why you should really dig up your dahlias. For this reason, and the plant has a tendency to rot in wet soil. Cyclamens are tubers too as are potatoes which most would know.

Shallow Roots

by gardenspast123, posted in Flowers, Foliage, Fruit, Horticulture, Shrubs

There are benefits to shallow rooted specimens if you have limited space/ the quality of the soil/the root zone depth is not sufficient. Most plants by their growth habit will penetrate their roots far below the surface. Some will have lateral (branching of from main stem) and some fiborous (fine, feathery roots). These are designed to source nutrients, water and find an available space to develop. However, It can be a problem at times, if roots are close to the surface leaving them exposed, vunerable to the elements and potential harm caused by animals or other external disturbance.

The benefit is that stem cuttings can often be used as the method to propagate successfully. The plant can be transplanted without fuss and generally can be moved at the right time without any problems. These plants can be often quick to establish and straightforward in nurturing. This can be a nuisance, when the plant is too happy and can become quite invasive.

All ash have relatively shallow roots but are not keen on being moved so an exception to the rule. (Fraxinus – woodland and Sorbus – mountain). The contorted Willow, as with all willows, is very close to the surface and can be easily damaged by aggressive winds. In fact, the closer the plant roots are to the surface, it will affect what you choose to plant in that area if anything at all!

Mahonia (x media/winter sun) will give you a show of flowers from late winter to spring and as an evergreen provides attractive foliage all year round. The only pruning is to retain the shape so a thinning exercise periodically is needed. It does prefer a shaded location, but as long as the soil is moist.

Hydrangeas – by the very name, these plants need a lot of water which is why it is unfortunate they’re shallow rooted. The plant can be affected by sun scorching and often intolerant to drought conditions. Hydrangeas like sun to partial shade. The colour will depend on the Ph level of the soil. What natural aluminium resides in the soil. The more acidic the soil, the more likely the hydrangea is blue. The more alkaline the more likely the flowers are pink. Hydrangea quercifolia – the oak leafed hydrangea offers white flowers from summer right through to autumn. The attractive foliage from spring. It prefers a slightly more acidic soil.

Azaleas prefer light shade but are a contender for any border. Similar to Rhododendrons they are shallow rooted and can often be containerised to ensure the soil is suitable for them. Rhododendrons do prefer a partially shaded aspect and a little sheltered. They do have a tendency to become leggy within, so an annual prune will retain the plants vigour. This plant is acid loving and must be planted in ericaceous soil to perform well. A spring flowering shrub that provides fragrance and flowers April onwards.

Virburnum offer a number of functions. This plant will attract both beneficial insects and habitat for wildlife in the winter months. Virburnum x bodnantense is a variety that is scented too. so a productive shrub. V. tinus, as an upright bush or effective hedge offering foliage, flowers and berries offering the same benefits.

Some Climbers as Honesuckle and Jasmine do have shallow roots. The plants have a mat forming growth habit under the surface that give the plant stability. This extensive habit is very dense and highly effective. It has no need to penetrate further down.

Medicinal Plants

by gardenspast123, posted in Horticulture

Nearly all plants have some healing properties as they do dangerous. At some point in time, all plants have been used to mend, soothe, emit a sap that will sanitise a sting, burn or irritation.

Chamomile (antitoxidant, antibacterial), rose hip (osteoarthritis, source of vitamin C) and ginger (anti -inflammatory, digestive) all used in teas too and said to have calming affects. Dock leaves (skin disorders), lemon balm (sleep disorders) equally to having soothing qualities. These plants are obvious choices so to give perhaps a mention to other plants often overlooked.

Borago officianlis – borage – an ancient plant but recently been used in ointments amongst other ingredients for the treatment of itchy and irritant skin. A mediterranean herb, it provides pink, blue and white flowers in the summertime. An annual herb, its longevitiy is by self seeding star shaped flowers. It can cope with no maintenance and is self sufficient. Moving the plant is unecessary since it will seed of its own accord other than where it was originally planted. It does prefer more sun than shade but can tolerate partial light. An informal addition to any perennial bed, be mindful that the soil is well drained and air circulating since it is susceptible to fungal infections. This is linked to lack of air and humidity.

Calendula officinalis – a marigold – the flower said to ease swelling from an insect bite or bruising from a fall. It has even been used to relieve fever, throat infections and ulcers. The plant usually flowers late summer through to early autumn. It is hardy but it is an annual and will die after it has flowered. Marigolds need sun but are relatively straightforward with most conditions. The plant might come back randomly if conditions were of neither extreme. Unfortunately, these beautiful shows are usually annihilated by snails, slugs and wet weather.

Tanacetum parthernium – Feverfew has positive neurological qualities. It will ease headaches and more seriously migraines and can provide treatment on a continual basis for sufferers. A summer flowering perennial offers flowers like daisies through this period. However, it is not good with too much moisture, problems can arise if incorrectly planted. The drainage must be improved, as humidity can cause problems. Other planting combinations can help with this.

Achillea millefolium – Yarrow can cause allergic reactions when in contact with skin, moisture and other organic material. It is toxic to a number of animals too. However, it was used as a method to treat open wounds since astringent properties would cause the skin to contract. It induces perspiration too but I don’t why that’s a good thing! A wildflower, supporting beneficial insects, a good informal shrub. However, a mindful eye is needed since it has a tendency to self seed in unwanted places. A full sun aspect is preferred but will tolerate partial shade.

Angelica archangelica – Angelica has digestive properties and used commonly in treatments for women with gynaecological problems. However, strictly speaking not for pregnant women but for hormonal balancing. This plant is good with beneficial insects too. It can be classed as a biennial (after two years) but worth the wait! It does prefer a slightly more shaded aspect though.

Echinacea purpurea – Coneflower has anti-inflammatory properties and used as a treatment for cold symptoms. It improves the bodies immunity to fight the infection and has antitoxidants to protect the body from further stress. It prefers a full bodied, humus rich soil. it will not tolerate a free draining and sandy soil. It does like its moisture.

Marginal Plants

by gardenspast123, posted in Flowers, Foliage, Horticulture, Houseplants

We have suggested the notion that most plants don’t like being saturated or sitting in moisture which is true although there are a handful who do. These plants were intended for water and need to be submerged in it. Often known as oxygenating plants, these plants keep unhealthy algae and weeds in abeyance. Certain plants are equally effective in improving the aesthetics of eyesores and providing habitat for aquatic / insect life.

There are cultivated plants you would expect from irises to water lillies although there wild, native (UK) varieties that deserve a mention. Marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) are clump forming, providing yellow cup shaped flowers from spring to summer. The plant provides a food source to beneficial insects encouraging bio diversity. The plant likes sun but can be found in woodland areas so tolerates partial shade.

Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia “Aurea”) – although this is a ground cover plant it grows on land and in water. Low growing dense foliage providing shelter and coveting undesirable edging. It flowers from June to September providing pollen to bees. It copes very well in moist soil and marsh-like conditions. The plant will filter the water as it floats. It can be invasive but is straighforward to keep under control. The unwanted growth simply pulled out.

Marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris) – a perennial that flowers usually in June to August providing an essential food source. This marginal plant has attractive pink purple flowers that encourage birds and aquatic life too. Its roots sit just under the surface of the water as opposed to being submerged but resilient from damage if disturbed. It usually does well on low, damp ground.

Water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes “Lillianes”) are not native to the UK. The plant can be found in C. America/Southern climes and effectively used to purify the water. The resilience to adverse conditions of Ph, temperature and nutrients are why the plant is used. This and attractive flowers and foliage. However, what it is also known for is being particluarly invasive in more ways than one. Above the surface is a impressive show of flowers and foliage. Underwater, the roots are said to damage pumps, liners, filters and potentially wipe out other neighbouring species including wildlife – insect or aquatic. A pause of caution then.

Water lillies (Nymphaea) – although the roots sit underwater, the plant usually requires some growing medium in a submerged basket as opposed to rooting wherever it can. The leaves are built to resist damage and the waxy surface to ensure they’re not over doused in water. A tip is to adhere to the depth requirements as varieties differ and can strongly determine the plants success. These plants will need to be divided at some point. Lillies do have a tendency to become congested in time. An indication can often be if the flower protrudes from the surface.

Irises are a perennial that can survive and thrive in boggy/marsh-like conditions. Others can be semi-aquatic. The Blue flag (Iris versicolour) is an aquatic variety, the Yellow (Iris pseudacorus) can be found near water although will cope with drier conditions. Iris sibirica, a purple variety provides long lasting blooms but usually are found on harder terrain. The plant still needs moisture but not so much wetlands. Flowering times of irises are spring to early summer with beardless ones usually slightly later. All Irises will benefit from division. It will improve the plants performance and health. In flower, do deadhead the plant since this will prolong the blooming period giving it a show for longer.

The Umbrella plant seems to fuse its purpose to both the garden and house. It is used as a pond plant and some care is needed as the plant is developing its roots system, but when established can withstand moist and wet conditions. It can be immersed in water and grown in soil. Cyperus alternifolius, a grass like perennial providing interesting foliage which will die back in winter. It’s not frost hardy, so in a pot needs protection from the elements. It likes a sheltered position, but does need some natural light too. An ideal soil would be wet and humus rich. It can equally be grown indoors as long as these conditions of medium, moisture, space and temperature are adhered to.